On the afternoon of March 30, 2025, 16-year-old African American girl Ajanaye Antontte Wiltz was fatally shot at a residence on the 8000 block of Chriswoods Court in the Florin area of south Sacramento, California. Deputies responded to the scene around 3:15 p.m. and found Ajanaye with a single gunshot wound to the head; she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sacramento County Coroner's Office later ruled her death a homicide.
Investigators determined that a 16-year-old male acquaintance had brought a firearm to the gathering. While several minors were present, the boy was reportedly showing off the gun when it discharged, striking Ajanaye. After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene with the weapon. He was apprehended two days later in Stockton, California. Authorities revealed that the suspect had three outstanding felony warrants and prior arrests, including charges related to stolen vehicles, weapons violations, and a sex crime.
The suspect has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. As a minor, he is expected to serve only a few years, potentially being released by the age of 25. During his first court appearance at the Sacramento Juvenile Court Detention Center, Ajanaye's family filled the courtroom. Her mother expressed outrage, stating, "Clearly, you make your own decisions, you know right from wrong. He's sitting in the courtroom like this is a game." Community advocate Berry Accius emphasized the need for greater accountability in such cases, saying, "We can't just give a slap on the wrist for moments like this because she doesn't come back."
Ajanaye's family described her as a vibrant, outgoing young woman with a bright future. Her aunt, Keyeria Mikeal, shared, "She had her whole life ahead of her. I used to tell myself, 'I can't wait to see when she grows up.' I don't get to see that." The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and to honor Ajanaye's memory.
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